Workshop · WS-008
Measured drill-bit index block
Store individually capped small drill bits in numbered blind sockets of one measured block.
Editorial construction draft. Original digital diagrams; no physical build or load certification. Read dimensions, fit and use limits before making changes. US customary dimensions control; metric values are references.
Before marking and cutting
- US inches; feet where appropriate. Metric values are rounded references. Written inch values control.
- 3/4 in means measured 0.750 in actual thickness wherever used. Recalculate mating lengths for other sheet thicknesses; do not substitute nominal stock blindly.
Use limits
- For the bounded stated manual task. Do not install it on a powered machine or use it to replace a guard.
- No load, measurement-certification or protective-equipment claim.
Materials and cuts
| Part | Qty | Size to cut | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Reference board | 1 | 10 × 3 × 3/4 in 254 × 76.2 × 19.05 mm | Sanded birch plywood with sound, void-free receiving edges. Measured actual thickness 3/4 in. |
| B Index block | 1 | 9 × 2 × 1 1/2 in 228.6 × 50.8 × 38.1 mm | Clear solid hard maple, straight grain along the listed length. Measured actual thickness 1 1/2 in. |
Hardware and consumables
- 2 × Compatible wood screws. Selected length, pilots and locations are stated in the instructions; test on actual scrap.
Tools
- Rule with fractional inches
- Pencil or appropriate material marker
- Reliable square
- Saw suited to the specified stock
- Clamps
- Abrasive and dust-removal brush
- Drill with the specified bit and depth stop where needed
- Driver matching selected fasteners
Assembly
- Use purchased protective caps on cutting ends and plan one socket per bit. This example indexes eight straight 1/8 in shanks; larger or different shanks need their own measured socket plan.
- Cut A to 10 in / 254.0 mm by 3 in / 76.2 mm from flat measured 3/4 in stock. Mark one face UP and mark front-left X0 Y0; remove only the splinters, not the reference edges.
- Draw the centerline and attachment footprints from the part positions below. Measure from the reference faces each time; do not add a chain of rounded conversions.
- Cut B from straight dry hardwood to 9 × 2 × 1 1/2 in actual. Mark its top face and X0 at its left end.
- Mark eight socket centers on B at local X = 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 in, local Y = 1 in. Label these as reference numbers rather than claiming eight different bit diameters.
- Dry-fit and clamp the assembly on a stable surface. Check the intended article against the clearances before drilling or gluing; correct the layout on paper if it does not fit.
- Test a 9/64 in bit and a sample 1/8 in shank on scrap. Drill the eight blind sockets 3/4 in deep with a positive stop; clamp B and keep it away from a moving bit.
- Ease exposed corners and all edges that the operator will touch. Remove dust and any projecting point; countersink only to a flush head.
- Clamp B on A at X = 1/2–9 1/2, Y = 1/2–2 1/2 in. From beneath A fit two #8 × 1 1/4 in screws at (1,1 1/2),(9,1 1/2) in. Avoid the socket centers and drill pilots first.
- Vacuum or brush chips from the sockets. Do not blow debris toward a face, and do not push a finger into a socket to clear it.
- Insert only the unsharpened shank into each socket. Fit a protective cap over every cutting end; unsuitable or unprotected bits stay in their manufacturer case.
- Write the actual bit size and application beside each number. Check that each bit lifts out without twisting the whole board.
Checks
- Socket depth 3/4 in in a 1 1/2 in block; at least 3/4 in of wood remains below sockets.
- All stored cutting ends have their own protective caps; mounting screws do not intersect sockets.
- Assembly is flat and free of splinters, exposed tips and loose parts.
- A second operator can repeat the intended light-duty operation without being coached.
Cleaning and maintenance
- Brush or wipe the unloaded assembly clean after use.
- Inspect attachment fit and fasteners before each new task.
- Replace a damaged contact surface; recheck the reference dimensions after repair.
Primary context
These sources inform the context and do not endorse the original construction design.